Treatment of acute diseases as caused by the sports-type injuries of the musculoskeletal system excluding fractures with magnetic field therapy

ABSTRACT

Process involves treating acute diseases of a body organ of the musculoskeletal system by applying a magnetic field by means of an annular coil surrounding the diseased organ, the coil being energized by a pure DC voltage having a rectangular wave form pulsing at the rate of 1-30 CPS.

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.519,410 filed May 4, 1990, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,131,904.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to the treatment of acute diseases or conditions,as from a sports injury, of the musculoskeletal system excludingfractures with magnetic field therapy. More specifically, the diseasedorgan is treated by being placed inside an annular coil driven by apulsed DC voltage having a rectangular wave form pulsing at the rate of1-30 pulse bursts per second producing a low intensity field.

2. Description of Related Art including Information Disclosed under§§1.97 to 1.99

It has been recognized in the prior art that the application of amagnetic field to diseased organs can in some way improve the condition.An example is disclosed in the Kraus patent, U.S. Pat. No. 3,915,151,which discloses the idea of imparting a low frequency AC source to awound toroid into which an ailing limb is inserted. The imparted voltagecreates a changing magnetic field. This treatment is coupled in Krauswith a galvanic action by means of plates disposed on either sides ofthe limb. A more recent patent, U.S. Pat. No. 4,537,181 to Shaloob etal, discloses treating a patient with a magnetic field created byrotating permanent magnets.

Other patents somewhat of interest to the present invention are U.S.Pat. No. 4,233,965 issued Nov. 18, 1980 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,758,429issued Jul. 19, 1988.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Under the present invention the target organ is subjected to anelectromagnetic field driven by a pure DC voltage having an abruptlyrising and abruptly deteriorating wave form at the rate of 1-30 cyclesper second. The field at the target organ is of low intensity,preferably under 20 gauss, and the field lines are oriented, where thetarget organ is on an appendage, such that the flux lines travel towardthe distal end of the appendage.

The effect of the treatment under the present invention is dramatic aswill be demonstrated in examples hereunder. The exact mechanism by whichthe treatment derives its efficacy is not known but one explanation maybe found in the uni-directonal elongated (extended) prolongation andabruptly shortened repolarization theory:

Directing a specific time frequency and wave form, of low amplitudemagnetic field (flux) into and onto a target area of living tissue/organin an almost axial arrangement for an extended specified length of time,allows (causes) the electron (ionic) flow to remain in either a plus orminus state. This action does stimulate the electrical potential. Thus aregeneration (repair) process is initiated by (during) which the cells(tissue/organs) are able to and will (better) more fully perform theirintended genetic function(s).

The cells (tissue/organs) may therefore carry out their functions in amore appropriate fashion and healthy physiological intended manner. Thehealing process, once stimulated, is hence-forth maintained by nature ofthe permanently enhanced positive electron balance and healthy metabolicstatus.

In amplification of the above theory, I have concluded from a carefulreview of recent data concerning the intrinsic magnetic field strengthof living individuals that all human beings possess measurable amountsof a magnetic field (MF). The data further indicates that most healthypeople have a MF which ranges from X to Y gauss. Some human beings haveextremely low MF levels: other human beings have extremely high MFlevels, i.e. 4 to 5 times (X+Y/2). Based on a correlation betweenhealthy and morbid human beings, I postulate that further investigationshould be initiated which might suggest that altered magnetic propertiesmay represent the state of disease, that is, derangement of MF maycorrelate with disease.

The following specification represents a new approach based on the abovetheory.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features and objects of the invention will be clear from thefollowing specification including the drawings, all of which disclose anon-limiting form of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a simplified perspective view of a wound toroid energized todevelop an electromagnetic field as indicated by flux lines, showntreating a diseased hand;

FIG. 2 is a front end view with front of cover removed and showing thecoil segments inside the toroid;

FIG. 3 is a graph showing the voltage flow vs. time as imparted to thetoroid air coil to induce the magnetic field under the invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a table embodying an apparatus of theinvention;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged front end view of the carriage showing the tracksin section;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the carriage for supportingthe toroid; and

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken on the line 7--7 of FIG. 6.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to the drawings, the invention involves the creation of anelectromagnetic field F. This field is created by energizing a windingin a toroid T such that the field forms a three-dimensional donut in andabout the toroid. The toroid T within its case contains s number of coilsegments CS spaced by air gaps G as shown in FIG. 2. It is an importantcharacteristic of the invention that the field not be greater than 20gauss in the area of the diseased organ DO.

After much study, it has been found that it is important that voltage besupplied to the toroid winding in a pattern demonstrated in FIG. 3. Thevoltage supplied must repeatedly build up steeply, hold, and thendeteriorate steeply and so that there are thus created a series ofspaced working plateaus p of pure DC current. It is preferred,therefore, that in the duty cycle the wave form of the pure DC voltageinvolved be virtually of rectangular shape with the abruptly rising rand abruptly falling d sides of the wave form comprising sides of arectangle. In between two such duty cycles there is an off cycle.

As an additional characteristic, further study has indicated that it isimportant that the movement of the field along the diseased limb, forinstance, be toward its distal end. Thus, for instance, when treating apatient's hand as shown, or knee, as the diseased organ, the magneticlines of the field F in the area of the organ should move toward the endof the appendage remote from the torso. This is achieved by supplyingvoltage of proper polarity to the coil leads of the toroid T.

As shown in FIG. 2, the target diseased organ DO is supported to be inposition eccentric to the central flux portion of the magnetic fieldwithin the toroid. This can be accomplished by a shapeable fiber supportpillow SP of cotton or the like which need not completely surround theorgan, but should assist its proper positioning. Inside the toroidhousing, as stated, are a series of circularly arranged arcuatesegments, of wound coil CS. With respect to the size of the toroid, itis important that the distance between the organ and the windings be nogreater than about six inches (6").

It has further been found, as a result of much experimentation, that thelength of time intervals between the treatment periods and the length ofthe treatment periods themselves is important. Preferably the length ofperiods should be no greater than one-half hour and the frequency shouldbe every 24 to 48 hours through the treatment period.

DESCRIPTION OF APPARATUS FOR TREATING ORGANS IN THE TORSO

The invention also has application, aside from treatment of the limbs,to diseased organs on the main part of the body, i.e., the torso.Equipment which has been used for such torso treatment is shown in thedrawings, FIGS. 4 through 7.

FIG. 4 shows an apparatus useful in applying a magnetic field to themain part of the human body, i.e. the torso. It is generally designated10 and is an all wood table comprising a plurality of support legs 12, ahorizontal transitional surface 14 on which the patient may sit and thenrecline and prepare himself. The support surface 14 is preferablysupported on a pair of end boards 16 which are supported by the legs andare notched as at 18 to support rails 20 which has between them a fabricsupport web 22.

Extending between the side board 16 and horizontally disposed at a levelbelow the surface 14 is a coil support bed 24. Supported on the bed 24are a pair of spaced parallel tracks 26 which may be in the form ofboards having a rectangular cross section. A coil support carriage 28 isprovided with a pair of side-by-side upward recesses 30 which fitslideably over the tracks 26.

Anti-friction means, such as plastic rollers 32, are mounted adjacentthe upper wall of the recess 30 so that the carriage may easily movealong the tracks. Preferably the upper sides of the carriage are formedwith a circumferential lip 34. The toroid T, similar to that disclosedin FIGS. 1 and 2, is equipped with downward flaring legs 36 which arereceived onto the carriage 28 to support the toroid.

In use, the patient reclines on the surface 14 and then, with thecarriage 28 at one end of the tracks 26, the patient rolls onto thefabric support web 22 so that his body B is supported thereby. Thecarriage then moves along the tracks 26 until the toroid T, encompassinghis body, is aligned with the diseased organ. The toroid is thenenergized for treatment as described above.

I have found that for treatment of the hand a toroid having an openingof 51/2 is preferable, an opening of 11" may be useful in treatment ofthe knee and for a treatment of the entire body, as in FIGS. 4 through7, an opening of 22" is suitable for most patients.

EXAMPLES

The following examples of treatment show results after indicatedprocedures, all within the scope of the invention as described above.

Example 1

Patient #1 had a recent (acute) injury to the left shoulder whilepitching for his company's softball team. This patient is a regularmember of the company team. The symptoms in the left shoulder weredescribed as "pain with limitation of movement" which persisted forseveral weeks. Normal treatment included pain medication (analgesics)and ice packing which did not provide relief. On examination, thepatient was found to have a classic rotator cuff injury. Following 18magnetic therapy (MT) treatments as described herein, complete return toan asymptomatic state with no further pain and a full range of motionwere effected, with no reported recurrence of symptoms.

Examples 2 and 3

Patients #2 and #3 had recent onset of right and left elbow pain at thelateral epicondyle (tennis-elbow) which was acute in nature, having beensustained within the past two months. Both patients being professionals,they under took all medical modalities that were available, withoutrelief. On examination, both patients had moderate to severe pointtenderness with increased pain upon forced wrist extension. One patientcould not rest his elbow on a cushion without noting severe pain. Bothpatients had extreme limitation of range of motion. Both patientsresponded significantly after 18 magnetic therapy treatments, asdescribed herein. They have resumed normal working and sports activitieswithout recurrence of symptoms to date.

Example 4

Patient #4 is a fireman who sustained an acute muscle injury to his leftupper arm (tricep muscle) approximately one month before presentation.The injury being job related, this patient was examined and evaluated byan orthopedic surgeon, who recommended that rest, followed by a longperiod of exercise retraining (rehabilitation) would be the best courseof treatment. The patient was physician-referred to magnetic therapy for18 MT treatments. Thereafter, the patient had no further pain norlimitation of motion of the left arm. One month after the final MTtreatment he was able to fully resume the demanding physical activitiesof a fireman.

Example 5

Patient #5 is a 45 year old former professional ballerina who nowactively teaches classic dance (ballet) on a daily basis. Havingsuffered various injuries over the years, she now presented with arecent onset of acute pain and loss of range of motion of her left hip.This acute injury prevented her from continuing her classical danceteaching activities. After a course of 18 MT treatments, the patient'ssymptoms improved significantly and she was able to fully resume herclassical dance teaching activities on a daily basis. The patient wasthen able to actively participate in a stage performance. This patienthas maintained an active role in the dance company since the completionof treatment.

Example 6

Patient 6 is a Black Belt in Karate who suffered an acute injury of thelower back two months prior in training. The patient had severe pain tothe lower back and was barely able to walk. He was awakened every nightby pain. Upon examination, the patient had extreme pain and difficultywith any and all movements of the lower back, including walking, sittingand bending. After 18 MT treatments the patient had a full recovery ofhis range of motion with no pain whatsoever. Having had an excellentresponse without assuming the risks of medicine or surgery, the patientresumed his Karate activities four weeks after completion of his courseof treatment, and has remained pain free and able to compete in karateexhibitions to date.

As stated, the invention is susceptible of various changes and is notlimited as described in the examples above. The invention may be,therefore, defined as having the scope of the following claim languageor reasonable equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A treatment of acute disease of a body organ ofthe musculoskeletal system as caused by a sports-type injury excludingfractures with magnetic field therapy, the process performed in theabsence of any electrical field and including the step of subjecting thediseased body organ to an electromagnetic field of under 20 Gauss andgenerated by an annular coil inside which the body organ is placed, thecoil being driven by a pulsed DC voltage having a rectangular wave formconsisting of an abruptly rising and abruptly deteriorating currentpulsing at the rate of 1-30 pulse bursts per second.
 2. A treatmentprocess as claimed in claim 1 wherein said organ is an appendage andwherein the electromagnetic field and the flux lines thereof areoriented so that the lines travel along said appendage in a directiontoward the distal end of the appendage, remote from the torso.
 3. Atreatment process as claimed in claim 1 wherein the electromagneticfield is about 12.5 gauss.
 4. A treatment process as claimed in claim 1wherein the organ is no further away from the source of the field thansix inches.
 5. A treatment process as claimed in claim 1 wherein thetreatment is performed for about 30 minutes every 24-48 hours during thecourse of treatment.
 6. A treatment process as claimed in claim 1wherein the injury is an acute tendinitis.
 7. A treatment process asclaimed in claim 1 wherein the injury is acute bursitis.